Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Designation of Acting Roles for Council during Vacancy of Mayor's Seat.
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Submitted By: James D. Stokes, City Attorney
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): While the Vice Mayor acts in the Mayor's absence, it is requested that the duties, responsibilities and benefits of the Mayor be formally assigned to the Vice Mayor during the current vacancy, as well as establishing a succession of authority in the event of an absence of the Vice Mayor.
Presentation Information: The City Attorney and City Manager are available to answer questions as needed.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council formally designate (1) Vice Mayor as acting Mayor, with all the duties, responsibilities and benefits of the Mayor; and (2) the Mayor Pro Tem to fill in as acting Vice Mayor when needed, effective July 1, 2021 until such time as a new Mayor is sworn into Office.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve as appropriate.
2. Move that the Council decline to make such designation(s).
Background: City Charter, Section 3.06, provides that the City shall have a Vice Mayor, however does not specify duties and responsibilities. Section 31.15 of the City Code is the only other reference to the duties of Vice Mayor during the vacancy of the Mayor's seat. The Mayor has many more duties and responsibilities than any other Council member including, but not limited to, presiding at meetings of the Council, representing the City in intergovernmental relationships, appointing citizens to boards and commissions, serving as head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes, and being recognized by the Governor for purposes of military law. As we enter hurricane season, the Mayor's emergency powers function, as set forth in Section 31.15 of the City Code is a primary concern.
Iss...
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